Dixon Jones To Replace Wembley Stadium Ramps With 'Iconic Steps'

Proposals by architect Dixon Jones to replace the ramps on the "famous approach" to Wembley Stadium with a set of steps "have been given the go-ahead," according to Ella Jessel of THE ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL. The concrete walkways on Olympic Way -- "better known as Wembley Way" -- were built in the '70s to allow pedestrian access to the old stadium "over a coach park that no longer exists." The ramps, designed by engineer Pell Frischmann, were later adopted by Norman Foster in his '08 designs for the new arena. The walkways are "set to be demolished" after Brent Council approved developer Quintain's plans to replace them with "an iconic set of steps" surrounded by a landscaped piazza. The plans also include "improving disabled access to the stadium with the introduction of four additional lifts." The upgrade was developed with the FA and Brent Council and "aims to transform Wembley Way" into a pedestrian walkway with shops, cafes and restaurants (THE ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL, 9/15).